Savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Scallions
Indulge in the exquisite flavor of Savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Scallions, a culinary creation born from a spirited kitchen experiment. With tender, juicy chicken pieces enveloped in a rich, sweet, and smoky glaze, this dish takes a beloved mall classic to new heights. While traditional bourbon chicken often evades the true essence of bourbon, this recipe dares to captivate your taste buds with a symphony of rich Indonesian ketjap manis, diet cherry cola, and a hint of liquid smoke. A perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish is not only delightfully comforting but also adaptable for lower-calorie lifestyles. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. Get ready to impress family and friends with this mouthwatering creation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 1/2 lbs (cut into bite-sized chunks)
unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (melt)
ketjap manis
1/2 cup (none)
diet cherry coke
1/2 cup (none)
Splenda brown sugar blend
1/4 cup (none)
rice vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
ground ginger
2 teaspoons (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
liquid smoke
1/2-1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketjap manis, diet cherry coke, Splenda brown sugar blend, rice vinegar, ground ginger, salt, black pepper, and liquid smoke until well combined. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to foam, being careful not to let it brown.
3
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are even and spread out. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown on all sides.
4
Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken, stirring to coat all pieces evenly. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6
For added flavor, sprinkle sliced scallions over the chicken before serving. Enjoy your savory dish hot over rice or with your favorite side!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Bourbon-Glazed Chicken with Scallions?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, sweet, and smoky glaze made with Indonesian ketjap manis and liquid smoke.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use 1 1/2 lbs of either boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and better glaze coverage.
What is ketjap manis?
Ketjap manis is a thick, sweet Indonesian soy sauce that provides a deep, savory-sweet base for the glaze.
Why does the recipe use diet cherry coke?
Diet cherry coke adds a unique sweetness and a hint of fruitiness to the sauce while keeping the calorie count lower.
What sweetener is used in the glaze?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Splenda brown sugar blend to achieve a rich sweetness without the full calories of regular sugar.
What provides the smoky flavor in this dish?
Liquid smoke is used to provide the signature smoky essence typically associated with bourbon chicken.
What type of vinegar should I use?
Rice vinegar is recommended to add a mild, tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by whisking together the ketjap manis, diet cherry coke, Splenda blend, vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, and liquid smoke in a medium bowl.
What is the first step in the skillet?
Melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to foam, taking care not to let it brown.
How long should I sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides.
At what point do I add the sauce?
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken once the meat has been browned in the skillet.
What heat level is used for simmering?
After bringing the sauce to a boil, reduce the heat to low to simmer the mixture.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The chicken and sauce should simmer for 20-25 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How do I know the sauce is finished?
The sauce is ready when it has simmered long enough to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.
What role do scallions play in this recipe?
Sliced scallions are sprinkled over the chicken just before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but uses simple one-pan techniques.
What side dishes go well with this chicken?
It is delicious served over fluffy rice or alongside steamed vegetables.
Can I use salted butter instead?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter; if you use salted, you may want to reduce the additional teaspoon of salt.
Is there actual bourbon in the recipe?
While it captures the flavor profile of bourbon chicken, this specific recipe uses liquid smoke and other ingredients to mimic the taste.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 10 main ingredients, excluding the optional scallion garnish.
What type of ginger is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground ginger for the glaze.
Is this recipe suitable for low-calorie diets?
Yes, by using diet cherry coke and a Splenda blend, the recipe is designed to be adaptable for lower-calorie lifestyles.
Can I substitute regular brown sugar?
Yes, if you do not require a lower-calorie option, regular brown sugar can be used in place of the Splenda blend.
Does the recipe require a lot of equipment?
No, you mainly need a medium mixing bowl, a whisk, and a large skillet.
How much liquid smoke should I add?
You can use between 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke depending on your preference for smokiness.
Is the chicken cooked before adding the sauce?
The chicken is partially cooked and browned for 5-7 minutes before the sauce is added for the final simmering phase.
Can I use regular cherry coke?
Yes, regular cherry coke can be substituted for diet cherry coke if desired.
What makes this dish different from mall-style bourbon chicken?
This version uses Indonesian ketjap manis and cherry cola to create a more complex and rich flavor profile than standard versions.